Regular vet checkups will create a baseline, making it easier for you to spot dog illness symptoms that could signal severe health conditions.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, never mind contacting a veterinarian; this can be done through online vet chats or by calling your vet directly.
Because dogs can catch illnesses from other dogs, it’s essential to keep an eye on any dog your pup interacts with, whether it’s a dog you know or a lost dog.
As a rule, monitor any changes in your dog’s behavior.
For example, if your typically energetic dog is lazy for an afternoon, he might be tired.
But if your active, outgoing dog routinely becomes lethargic or if your shy, quiet dog begins barking uncontrollably, the change could be his way of indicating something is wrong.
You know your dog best, so it is time for a checkup if he is doing something different. Don’t put off these visits for fear of the costs.
Pet insurance generally covers the costs of various injuries and illnesses. and a pet insurance alternative is more affordable, with coverage only for emergency vet visits.
Common dog illness symptoms and what they mean:
Appetite or weight change
Monitor your dog’s food intake. If your dog starts gaining weight even though you haven’t changed the amount you feed him or how much exercise your dog gets, that can be a warning sign.
Dogs that rapidly gain weight for no apparent reason can suffer from an underactive thyroid or Cushing’s Disease, which is caused by the overproduction of cortisol.
If your dog starts losing weight for no apparent reason or shows little or no interest in eating, that can be a sign of several severe conditions, including cancer, liver problems, a gastric ulcer, or kidney failure. It also could be a sign that your dog is in pain from a condition like arthritis.
Sometimes, dogs will skip meals, but if your dog goes more than 48 hours without eating, consult your vet immediately. Long-term loss of appetite is dangerous for your dog.
Vomiting
Dogs occasionally vomit. Sometimes, it’s because they ate something that upset their tummies. Sometimes, it’s because they are nervous.
The key is to watch for changes in behavior.
If your dog suddenly starts throwing up after every meal, check its food. If you haven’t changed what you are feeding him, did you start a new bag?
Check to see if the manufacturer has changed any of the ingredients. Something new may be bothering your dog’s digestive system.
It’s also possible your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have, like a small toy or a piece of your shoe. In that case, he’s merely trying to get it out of his body.
If your dog starts consistently vomiting, it’s possibly a sign of a more severe health issue, including gastric ulcers, viral or parasite infections, bloat, liver or kidney failure, gastrointestinal illnesses, pancreatitis, or even poisoning.
Take your dog to the vet immediately if your dog throws up blood. Don’t wait. Every second could be critical.
Diarrhea
Similar to vomiting, watch for diarrhea. If your dog occasionally has loose stool, it could be because he ate something that didn’t agree with him or because he is nervous.
Watch for repeated bouts of diarrhea, especially if accompanied by vomiting or fever. Your dog could have an infection (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), gastrointestinal illnesses, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, parvovirus, or colitis. Diarrhea can also be a sign of cancer or liver or kidney disease.
If your dog continues to struggle with diarrhea, consider creating a natural indoor puppy potty to make it easier for you to clean up the mess.
Increased thirst
Excessive thirst and frequent urination are signs of five serious dog health problems: diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease, leptospirosis, and Cushing’s Disease. Your dog also may have a urinary tract infection or bladder stones.
You don’t need to worry if your dog drinks a lot of water on a hot day. But if your dog drinks more water than usual daily, you may have a problem and should talk to your vet.
Watch for signs your dog is drinking too much. Is your dog asking to go outside more often? Or worse, is your dog starting to have accidents in the house even though he’s long been potty-trained?
Similarly, dehydration can also pose health threats. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water.
Coughing
Don’t worry about an occasional cough or sniffle. But constant, recurring coughing can be a sign of something serious, including:
Infection: Both kennel cough and canine influenza can cause coughing. If your dog has a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. But if a viral infection causes the cough, you’ll need to keep your dog calm so he can rest and recover.
Heartworm disease: Heartworms are transmitted in larval form by mosquito bites. The larva then migrates to the dog’s heart and lungs, growing into spaghetti-like adults that can cause fatal heart and lung damage. The best way to protect your dog is to use monthly heartworm preventative. Treatment for heartworm disease is costly and can’t reverse heart and lung damage.
Other causes of coughing include congestive heart failure, mitral valve endocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, collapsed trachea, chronic bronchitis, or cancer.
Hair loss and itchiness
Hair loss or itchiness can indicate a reaction to stress, food allergies, or bites from fleas, ticks, or mange mites. Shedding also can be a sign your dog isn’t getting the nutrients she needs from her dog food. If your dog’s shampoo irritates her skin, that can cause shedding, too.
But losing hair can also signify a hormonal imbalance, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, ringworm, endocrine problems, or infections (fungal, yeast, or staph). When in doubt, talk to your vet.
If your dog experiences these symptoms, CBD products like Koi CBD oil can help reduce their pain.
Runny nose or watery eyes
Severe nasal discharge can indicate infection, nasal mites, a weak immune system, pneumonia, and cancer. It can also be a sign of dental disease.
Epiphora causes the overproduction of tears. It can be caused by eyelashes or eyelids turning in or out, sinus infections, tear duct obstructions, or tumors.
Stiffness
When dogs begin to show stiffness in movement, most owners blame aging.
But watch for signs of pain. Some examples include your dog limping, having trouble shifting from sitting to getting up or lying down, or navigating stairs. Then, your dog may be suffering from bone or joint issues.
These include hip dysplasia, disc disease, ruptured ligaments, and arthritis. Inflammation and swelling cause pain but can be treated to help your dog be more comfortable.
Red or swollen gums
Irritated gums usually indicate gingivitis, which can be treated before it becomes a more serious periodontal disease.
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is the best way to prevent dental problems. Dogs experience many of the same problems humans do, including cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Gum disease is so common that, according to the American Kennel Club, most dogs show early signs of it by age three.
Periodontal or gum disease signs include bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth, and pawing at the mouth. Failing to treat gum disease can cause infections that shorten your dog’s life.
Lethargy or excessive sleep
If your dog is unusually lethargic, paying attention to this warning sign and taking appropriate action is essential.
Lethargy can indicate potential health problems, including infections, pain, organ dysfunction, or metabolic disorders.
In some cases, lethargy may be a symptom of a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.
It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s overall behavior and look for other accompanying symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or labored breathing.
If lethargy is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian promptly.
A thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of lethargy and determine the most appropriate course of action to ensure your dog’s health and well-being.
Keep your dog healthy
When proactively maintaining a dog’s health, consider several factors.
Nutrition plays a critical role. Ensuring your dog receives a balanced and appropriate diet is essential for their overall well-being.
This means providing high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and breed.
Regular exercise is crucial for a dog’s physical health. Daily walks, playtime, and physical activities are essential to keep them fit and maintain a healthy weight to prevent the health risks caused by weight gain and obesity.
Mental stimulation is often overlooked but equally important. Providing interactive toys, puzzles, and training activities can keep your dog mentally active and prevent boredom, which can lead to behavioral issues like excessive barking.
Lastly, regular grooming is essential for maintaining a dog’s health. This includes brushing their coat, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails, and maintaining dental hygiene. Dogs with floppy ears, like beagles, need regular ear cleaning to prevent ear infections.
Regular veterinary checkups are vital to monitor your dog’s overall health and address potential issues early.
By integrating these tips into your dog’s routine, you can proactively maintain their health and minimize the risk of various health issues.
Preventive measures
Several standard preventive measures are crucial for ensuring your dog’s overall health and well-being.
These measures include vaccinations and parasite control. Vaccinations protect dogs against various diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus.
It’s essential to follow a vaccination schedule your veterinarian recommends to ensure your dog is adequately protected.
In addition to vaccinations, parasite control is another essential aspect of preventive health care for dogs.
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms can pose serious health risks to dogs and their human owners.
Using flea and tick prevention products and deworming treatments can help keep these parasites at bay and protect your dog from related health issues.
By staying current with vaccinations and ensuring effective parasite control, you can significantly reduce the risk of diseases and health problems for your beloved canine companion.
Always consult your veterinarian to develop a preventive health care plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Use dog illness symptoms to protect your dog
You know your dog, so always watch for changes in its behavior. If you notice these nine dog illness symptoms, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan that could include medications and physical therapy.
Working with your vet will help you develop treatment plans and give your dog a long and healthy life.
CBD oil is one option to help your aging or ill dog cope with various symptoms. If you’re unsure how to use CBD oil for dogs, consult your veterinarian.
Lauretta Williams is one of the co-founders of PawMaw.com, a website dedicated to creating happy endings by reuniting people with their lost pets.